Resource jobs in Australia

The massive investment†in Australia in the CSG-LNG and oil sectors is expected to hit A$85-billion in 2013. A recent report by Wood Machenzie indicated, investment levels in the sector would remain high for over the next three years, providing an opportunity for more resource jobs.

Where the next big investment and resource jobs will be

Gas project spending will be about $48 billion this year and $50 billion in 2014, which accounts for around 50 percent of resources investment in Australia over a two year period.

Iron-ore and coal are next in line in terms of spending. Iron ore is expected to be about 25 percent and Coal 10 per cent of the total value of investment. The amount of money pouring into the iron-ore industry in 2013 would comprise around 25 per cent of the total value. Record highs of A$22-billion in investment would be realised.† The investment in coal, whereas in previous years has been a dominating factor, investment in the sector puts coal in third place.

The Australian iron-ore sector had invested heavily in infrastructure and development over the past five years, lifting Australia`s share of global trading from ports from 35% in 2007 to 44% in 2012.

It is thought that investment in the Australian iron-ore sector will peak in 2013. This is due to infrastructure construction and mine expansions being completed as well as being affected by the moderation of Chinese steel production growth.

Australia’s dominance in the sector will increase

Australia, as a leader in seaborne minerals exportation will further increase. This will see its share of global seaborne trade increase to over 50% by 2016. This is due to the development of Pilbara-based iron ore mining from the larger miners like Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals Group and BHP. Not forgetting the addition of Gina Reinhart’s Roy Hill project which is still in the infrastructure development stages.

It was noted that coal would not be a major performer in term performance over the next few years, owing to the fluctuation of the commodities pricing environment. However, there was good news with the recognition that the resumption of deferred coal mining projects and the development of new producing areas like the Galilee Basin from companies like GVK and Adani would keep capital spending strong through to 2017.

With this in mind, it looks like† this will drive an increase in overall capital spend on coal developments in Australia, taking over iron-ore’s position as the commodity with the second-highest investment. A recent report also stated that India (who are a major importer of high quality coking coal), cited shortfalls of supply to satisfy the country’s insatiable appetite for coal to power its electricity generation network. Considering the recent announcements and projects that are earmarked for coal mining in Queensland, there is a lot of positive news to come yet and the creation of 1000’s of mining jobs is still on the cards.

Gas and iron-ore projects drive investment

Western Australia and Queensland dominated, making up 83%, or A$24-billion, of total capital expenditure in 2013. This has been attributable to the vast gas and iron-ore projects that are underway.

Predictions that investments in iron-ore would nudge resource-sector investment in Western Australia to record highs.

Capital investment for seven LNG projects under construction would ensure investment remained high for the next three years, particularly in WA and Queensland.

The Northern Territory would also see investment peak over this period, owing to the construction of the Ichthys oil and gas project.

The outlook for the next three years confirms the strength of the Australian resources sector, as investments made based on decisions taken during the boom years start to materialise. The industry however needs a new wave of gas and iron-ore projects in order to maintain high levels of investment in the longer term.